UP TO 2000 HOMES WITHOUT POWER IN THE NORTHWEST WITH WINDS GUSTING UP TO 130KM/HR

Storm Gareth is hitting the northwest hard this evening with winds gusting up to 130km/hr in the northwest of Ireland with the gust of 130km/hr recorded on Irelands most northerly point Malin Head Donegal.

Over the course this evening and tonight there winds will remain strong with severe and damaging gusts with the risk of further power outages.

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Up to 2000 homes and Buissness have been hit with power outages with power outages in Donegal, Galway, Mayo, Sligo, Leitrim and Derry.

Co. Donegal has been the worst effected with the majority of the power outages in the county.

The public should avoid exposed beaches, cliffs and piers, harbour walls and promenades along the coast during storm conditions on Tuesday afternoon up until Wednesday morning and not put your life at risk as well as others at risk.

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Widespread power outages could occur in Connacth and Ulster on Tuesday afternoon, evening and night into Wednesday morning as the area of low pressure passes just of to the north of Ulster into western Scotland

Away from Atlantic coastal regions winds will gust up to 90km/hr to 110km/hr with the risk of scattered power outages.

Anyone planing to travel by air or sea on Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning there is likely to be some disruption and it would be important to check in before travelling .